CammyF

I realise and understand that we were drawn in the group of death, but even given that, surely a club of the stature of Rangers FC SHOULD be aiming for the last 16 of the CL EVERY season no matter who were are drawn against? Is settling for anything less than the last 16 of the CL a systematic of the thinking / downsizing of ambition instilled by David Murray? Cammy F

As long as QOTS win - Feckin Lithgi Feckin Rose..... Wait to the BU's get them in the Junior Cup :uzi: Cammy F

With injuries to McCulloch and Beasley it looks like there will be a few changes to the staring 11 on Saturday - here is my team to face Killie; McGregor Hutton Weir CC Papac Naismith Fergie Handami Adam JCB Buffel Cammy F

Along with Willie Mc Lies Cammy F

Do I Expect Too Much? Sitting here reflecting on another glorious failure in Stuttgart, I have asked myself, do I expect too much from our football club? Stuttgart are the reigning German champions who whilst not having the best of starts to the season, have finally found some form and are a genuine force to be reckoned with. However, watching the game last night, I got the distinct impression that they were beatable, even in their own back yard. In fact, we were controlling the game, got a very good opening goal and sustained some exerted pressure (which you would expect) and were coasting as half-time approach. Then, like so many other times in Europe, we fell asleep and made an amateurish mistake. Their first goal changed the entire course of the game and established their tempo for the 2nd half. We all witnessed the flair, skill, passing, movement of Stuttgart at the beginning of the 2nd half, but weââ?¬â?¢ll never know if they would have exhibited this if they hadnââ?¬â?¢t been allowed back into the game with the last kick of the 1st half. We then managed to pull ourselves back into the game when we were gifted an equaliser but (and maybe it was just cynical old me who was expecting this) then we went and shot ourselves in the foot and conceded a late goal. In retrospect, the difference between a draw and a defeat in the grand scheme of the group, is nothing really. We still have our own fate in our own hands and if we avoid defeat against Lyon, we will qualify. Like Scotland, this is a scenario that would have taken at the start of the group. However (here is the old pessimist coming out), like Scotland, I can see this ending in tears (I sincerely hope not). Over the course of the group we have taken points from all other teams in the group, that in itself is no mean feat, but I feel that we are 2 or 3 points worse off than we should and could have been and staring the last 16 in the straight in the eyes with one qualification game to go. Instead, we look forward (with some trepidation I have to admit) to a very nervous 90 minutes against Lyon. Gaining the point we need is far from insurmountable, but come on Bears, weââ?¬â?¢ve all been here before. Finger nails will be bitten, sphincters will be twitching, underwear will be soiled ââ?¬â?? its going to be one of those nights! Looking back over this CL campaign, you can not have failed to notice that some of our (youthful and inexperienced in CL terms) looking like they are struggling at times. If you watch a player like Hendami, he makes football look so simple ââ?¬â?? he does this against any opposition be it Gretna or Barcelona, where as, players like Adam, Thompson, Boyd, and others (and this isnââ?¬â?¢t a personal attack on anyone) look like rabbits staring into headlights. Hopefully they will learn and use these lessons to improve themselves and our team. Also, it is evident that teams at the highest level spot weaknesses and try to exploit them to their advantage. Teams have identified that our left back area is very weak and have tried to expose this ââ?¬â?? as Stuttgart did on numerous occasions last night. Again, this is not a slight on Sasha Papac who has filled in there admirably this season. This cannot take away from the fact that he is not a left back and against better teams he is left exposed. I also have concerns over Alan McGregor ââ?¬â?? I know that sounds strange as he has developed into a very decent keeper. But, that is the rub of the green, given that most of his predecessors were ââ?¬Ë?world classââ?¬â?¢, a very decent keeper is a step down for what we are used to. Rangers FC should be in the later stages of the CL every season ââ?¬â?? that is what we must be aiming for ââ?¬â?? that is where not only the money is, it is where the prestige is. I know and understand that Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s side / squad is still in its embryonic stage, but for me, qualification for the last 16 is so close, so tangible, that falling at the last hurdle will seem like failure (UEFA Cup parachute or not). So the question is, am I expect too much of my team to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League from a group that contains Lyon, Barca and Stuttgart (considering we were 4th seeds)? A Case Of Two Findlayââ?¬â?¢s We are all aware of what happened to Donald Findlay when he was hung out to dry by those he thought were his friends, and we will all remember the press assassination of Donald Findlay that followed and that is still going on to this day. It is interesting to note that Dr Jeanette Findlay has had a comparatively easy ride from those who chose to ââ?¬Ë?assassinateââ?¬â?¢ Donald Findlay. It was also interesting to note that Dr Jeanetteââ?¬â?¢s outburst came whilst trying to vindicate the stance of Celtic fans regarding the election of John Reid to the Celtc Board (funny how Mr Reid claimed that Celtc was an ââ?¬Ë?all encompassingââ?¬â?¢ club where ââ?¬Ë?politics were left at the doorââ?¬â?¢. Funny that, his predecessor spent years telling the gullible media and anyone else who was stupid enough to believe him, that they songs of bigotry and hate were merely political. Anyway, I digress. Back to Jeanette and her repugnant views on the murdering scum that are the IRA. Apparently, according to Dr Findlay, it is OK, right on, morally correct to sing the praises of these murderers at Celtc Park ââ?¬â?? I am tempted to say, itââ?¬â?¢s the Celtc way, but the irony would be lost on any Celtc fan reading this. I wonder if Jeanette will face committees to see if she still has a job, face constant press harassment forcing her to the brink of suicide ââ?¬â?? or is this just another case of one rule for one, one rule for another. And to think, she is tasked with the education of Scottish students. Cammy F

I think Hrealy struggles at club level as he has never really been given an extended run - Leeds played him out wide or put him on the bench. LS bought him then proceeded to put him on the bench. Cammy F

At last, one Scottish Journo who doesn't kiss Britneys ring : ----------------------- In Jackson's column today he writes "word reaches me that one of the most pompous and least respected operators in this business had a pop at this column for daring to criticise the wretched Dr Jeanette Findlay. Nice try Corduroy boy, just a shame no one reads your stuff! You and the good doctor make a good match - hopelessly out of touch and irrelevant to the decent majority. Jog on Britney - your in danger of making a fool of yourself. Oops, too late!" ------------------------ Cammy F

I said on loan - Liverpool as keen to loan out Crouch as he is 5th or 6th in line at the moment. They aren't keen on sending him to another EPL club as they know he'll score goals - you don't get if you don't ask. Healy is worth a punt on loan - the guy scores for fun for NI - his record at international level is unbelieveable - he has just equalled the scoring record for Euro qualifiers, this including a hat-trick against Spain. We might need cover up front if the rumours of Cousin leaving for the EPL are true. Cammy F

I think our proirities should be a left back, creative midfield player and possibly a stiker on loan (Healy or Crouch would do nicely). Cammy F

And I'll think you'll find that GG was one of his students Cammy F

You can hear her comments here - http://www.zshare.net/audio/5035175ed58a02/ The mask is slipping... wonder if John Reid will ban her from Parkheid? Cammy F

Barcelona Trip In the lead up to this trip, I was like a kid in a candy store, I couldn’t wait to visit Barcelona and visit the ‘famous’ Nou Camp stadium. Boy, was I left disappointed. I don’t know if it was because I went on the ‘day trip’ (26 hours solid!), but the trip and more importantly, the stadium didn’t live up to my expectations. I had done the stadium tour many years ago and seemed to remember a first class stadium that took your breath away. In reality, the only breathtaking aspect of the Nou Camp is the Everest-esque hike to the visitors section. We were escorted to the stadium close to 2 hours prior to kick-off and weren’t allowed to hang around outside, visit the club shop or go to any of the numerous near-by restaurants for food – we were forced into the ground and left with no alternative but to purchase over-priced and under-cooked ‘football food’. The stairs inside the ground were treacherous and I. along with a few others lost my footing and fell down the stairs on the way to the food outlet. Luckily, I managed to grab hold of a barrier before I did to much damage and was left with only a bruise on my knee as a reminder. The guy sitting along from me wasn’t so lucky – he went down with a thud and hurt himself quite badly. Thankfully the Police and Stewards were on hand – they shrugged their shoulders and didn’t even bother to ask the guy if he was OK. The time spent in Catalonia Square was the best part of the trip – to witness the supporters clubs banners from the length and breadth of the UK and further a-field is always worth it – it just cements the passion, pride and support that we have around the world. It was a first class display and the local TV and media outlets spent hours upon hours photographing every banner. The ‘original’ GersNet banner was proudly on display near the fountain (it is absolutely boggin – need to get it washed!!!). So, in summary, the trip didn’t live up to my expectations and I have vowed never to go on the day-trip again and NEVER to visit Spain again following Rangers – we simply just aren’t wanted – have heard various stories of people being pick-pocketed and one guy from our RSC caught someone in his hotel room going through his baggage – he is still awaiting the Police to respond to his 999 call. However, the reasons for this decision are for another thread at another time. Scotland & ‘Failure’ It is a pity that there isn’t another word to describe Scotland’s inability to qualify for the European Championships, as ‘failure’ isn’t a word I’d use to sum up the qualification campaign. Scotland have managed to amass 24 points and finish 3rd in a group where we were given little chance in. People know my thoughts on the national team and the SFA but I decided to watch the game on Saturday and there are 2 reasons why I was glad that I did – 1/ Barry Ferguson and 2/ Alan Hutton. Both these (Rangers!) players were outstanding against the world champions and neither would looked out of place in the Italian starting 11 – I can pay them no bigger compliment. The game itself was gripping to watch and IMO a draw would have been a fair result as Italy dominated the first half whilst Scotland dominated the 2nd. The game will be remembered for some very erratic decisions from the officials. Italy’s ‘2nd’ goal’ was wrongly chopped off for offside and Fergie was very close to being offside for the equaliser. However, how the officials managed to penalise Alan Hutton in the lead up to the winning goal defies explanation. Scotland can now look forward to the World Cup draw later in the week knowing that they are 2nd seeds and likely to have an easier group than they encountered this time. The only question is, can Scotland convince AMc to stay as manager? There is some hope that there will be some home international representation at Euro 2008 – England managed to get a ‘get out of jail free card’ and if they avoid defeat against Croatia (not a formality) then they will qualify. Northern Ireland also still have a slight hope of qualifying if results in their group go in their favour (a huge well done to David Healy for surpassing the record for goals scored in a qualifying campaign). Richie Binnie Now, this isn’t a name that you will instantly recognise, but the guy deserves credit for his recent achievements. Richie is a Bo’ness lad who represented Team GB Football Team at the Special Olympics in Shanghai and he helped GB to Gold Medal. Richie scored the goal that ensured GB got to the final (which they won 5-3 on penalties) was honoured by the local council. Richie was also honoured by our local ‘Rangers Pub’ – The Cross Keys Inn – where the patrons had a collection and presented Richie with a Rangers top and watch. So congratulations Richie – you done yourself, your family and your nation proud. David Weir Now, hopefully this is a name that is familiar with us all! However, even the ‘famous’ deserve praise and credit where and when it is due. The guy who runs our RSC recently approached David Weir as one of his workmates kids was very ill. They wanted a signed top to raffle for the lad and David was more than forthcoming. He presented a signed Scotland top along with 2 tickets for the Scotland v Italy game for the lad and his Dad. Unfortunately, the lad was to ill to attend the game so one of his friends was the lucky recipient of David’s generosity. Celtc Fans and Irony This story is a little late, but sums up the mentality of your average green and grey supporter. A few weeks back, I popped into my local after work to catch up with a friend who I haven’t seen for a while. When I arrived, my friend wasn’t there, so I approached the bar and ordered myself a pint. As the barmaid was pouring the pint, I noticed a box of poppies on the bar and a collection tin. As I popped in my Ã?£1 coin I noticed a Celtc fan at the other end of the bar watching me. Now, said Celtc fan had a ‘Celtc Against Fascism’ badge on. Never one to be shy to engage the tims in a debate, I asked him if he’d like me to pass him over a poppy. He replied that he didn’t wear a poppy as it was a sign of ‘British nationalism’. I had a little chuckle at that remark and the tim then asked my why I was chuckling. I replied that I found it ironic that someone who was openly ‘anti-fascist’ was so unwilling to wear a symbol of remembrance for those who defeated fascism. He muttered something about orange barstewards before leaving the pub. Cammy F – We Are The People….

Does anyone have a Rangers tartan scarf lying around doing nothing? I have a 'German' work colleague who has adopted 'Rangers' as his Scottish team and is looking for a tarten scarf. He is due to go back to Germany soon and wants the scarf to wear with pride!!! Now, I've searched high and low for one and can't find any (I had one but think I gave it away to someone). So if anyone was one lying around and is willing to part with it (I'm willing to pay for it) then reply to this thread or drop me a PM. Any help in locating one is most appreciated Cammy F

They are one of the best teams in Europe when on their game but the only concern I have this season is are they going to be consistant enough. They have started 'on-fire' but I have to wonder how they will fare if / when they suffer injuries, suspensions and 'drop in form'. I actually hope they go on to win the EPL and the CL (If we don't win it that is) as I love watching them play. Cammy F

More Than A Club If ever a statement summed up the way we all feel about The Rangers it is ‘more than a club’ and I have to say, last nights game against Barcelona was the pinnacle for this Bear in my 25+ of ‘follow following’ the great institution that is Rangers Football Club. It is funny to think that it may actually be bettered when I visit Barcelona for the ‘return game’ next month. The anticipation that I felt in the lead up to the Barcelona game has only ever been matched by the buzz I felt prior to entertaining Kiev in the late 80’s, Leeds (home and away) in 92/93 and possibly the build up to the ‘Celtc Shame Game’ when we dismantled them in their own midden and won the league in the process. To say for the last week that I have mirrored a kid in a candy store is the biggest understatement of the year! And I have to say that occasion didn’t disappoint. From the wonderful card display pre-match (well, do we do anything other than wonderful displays?) to the 92 minutes and the aftermath, this was an occasion that in years to come, we will all fondly recall that ‘we were there’ (those of us lucky enough to get tickets, and I dare say some of us that weren’t lucky enough! In 20 years time, over 100,000 will claim to have been there!!!!). Barcelona, like ourselves, rightly proud themselves as being more than a club (Club motto is “El Barca es mes que un club”) – they are a political focal point to the Catalans and like ourselves, they were founded purely out of the love of the game (by a couple of Englishmen and a Swiss gentleman who actually changed his to name to the Catalonian version!). Their club also became a focal point of the anti-Franco movement in Spain and that is why we are held in great esteem in this famous of footballing cities and clubs. As Carlos Puyol stated when the draw was made, we are still remembered by the locals for giving Franco’s fascist Police a chasing and will be the recipients of a warm welcome when we visit in November. This flies in the face of the lies and innuendo that the ‘unbiased’ Scottish media and the MOPES will have peddled since we achieved our Cup Winners Cup success at the ‘camp nou’. They will tell you that we raped, pillaged, ransacked Chapels where the reality couldn’t be further from their lies. In fact, we were invited back to Barcelona the following season to participate in Barca’s anniversary celebrations. Anyway, back to last night and the game itself went past as a ‘blur’ for this Bear, but I did witness enough to see that our team put in one hell of a shift and everyone of us should be proud of everyone one of them! I also couldn’t help but notice that Barca were a class act, probably one of the best teams I have seen at Ibrox (along with Juventus and Valencia) and that their players also had a ‘touch of class about them’. I don’t just mean footballing ability wise, but noticed that when Henry was substituted, he made an effort to pass BF and wrapped an arm around our captain and encourage him to keep going and to rally the troops. This gesture was then copied by Puyol – two examples of sportsmanship. The result puts us in a fantastic position in the group and it looks like our last game against Lyon could decide our fate. However, before getting that far ahead of ourselves, it is worth remembering that that is 9 consecutive CL games without defeat and in 7 European games this season, we have conceded just 1 solitary goal. As Walter Smith said in his interview, a year ago we were defeated in the League Cup at home by St Johnstone and 9 months ago, we were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Dunfermline (that is taking nothing away from them, or any disrespect to those two clubs – both deserved their victories). Here we are 12 months later, battling out a 0-0 draw with arguably the best team in the world. This may sound utterly mental, and as I can’t believe that I am typing it, but was I the only one who thought that we were going to sneak it in the last 10 minutes? I just had this gut feeling that something magically was going to happen, a lose ball was going to fall our way and be tucked into the net. The only other example of this I can readily recall was the Porto away game where they dominated possession, scored and we then equalized – it was that sort of a feeling, if you know what I mean. Anyway, it didn’t detract for a wonderful game, and amazing experience and an evening that once again, reinstated the fact that we are ‘more than a club’. The Aftermath In saying all of the above and heaping praise on the players (and lets not forget the manager and his staff) the victory over Celtc and last nights escapades will count for nothing if we do not take maximum points form Dundee United at the weekend. We must find a level of consistency on the SPL and show that we are capable of mounting a sustained challenge and show no adverse reactions from CL exertions. Given the nature of last nights game and the effort (mental as well as physical) put in by the players, I can envisage WS making some changes to the starting 11. Those brought in MUST deliver and show a hunger and desire to push us forward on the domestic front. They must use this as an opportunity to be involved in the next big European night. So, the pressure is on, they must perform and we mustn’t allow this utterly fantastic week to end on s sour note. Arthur Boric I know I shouldn’t give this cretin ‘column inches’ but the latest outburst from the ‘Holy Goalie’ can not be left unchallenged – although I fully expect the club to ignore the ‘neds’ comments even though they bring the game into disrepute and our players character into question. The ‘Holy Goalie’ claims that he was justified in ignoring our players offer of a sporting handshake as he ‘dislikes them and our club’. Now, that part of his statement is fair enough, but he then goes on to insinuate that unspecified Rangers players ‘spat on him’. Come on Arthur, with the amount of press coverage the OF generates and with the majority of the press in Scotland being ‘pro-Celtc’, I sure that if one of our players had spat on (or at) you, this would have been noticed and reported. I am also sure that one (or more) of the MOPES who trawl TV, You Tube, paper etc evidence to be offended at, it would not have gone unnoticed. It is now up to Rangers (as well as the SFA and SPL) to bring the Holy Goalie to task over these allegations. He must be made to identify the supposed culprit or be ‘outed’ as the liar that he undoubtedly is. Cammy F – We Are The People….

Could well come down to our last game at home to Lyon - would prefer if we had qualified before that (can see us taking at least a point away at Stuttgart). And if anyone had offered us that at the start of the group (ie beat Lyon at home in our last game) we would have bitten their hands off. I now it won't happen but if were to draw / win out next 3 games, that would see us 12 games unbeaten in the CL - now that would be some record and something to be proud about. Look at it another way, a victory in barca and we are 99.9% certain to qualify :fish: Cammy F

Can I vote for them all - not one single player disn't deserve a 10/10 - an absolutely fantastic team performance. Cammy F

Hey, I can't take the credit for that one - thank their (Always) Ultra Group the Green Brigade - for it is them that can't even spell their clubs name Celtc Indeed :devil: Cammy F

Some nice words from Henry as well : http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1150564,00.html Cammy F

Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna reckons Ibrox' intimidating atmosphere can roar Rangers to victory. The midfielder, who scored two penalties in the surprise weekend win, played at Ibrox two seasons ago for Villarreal in the last 16 of the Champions League. Senna said: "The fans are like an extra player for Rangers. The Ibrox atmosphere is one of the best in the world. "When I played there it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. "I would love it if the fans in Spain were like that. Rangers' supporters are among the best in the world and they can help their team enormously. "When we played there we drew 2-2 - we went ahead and then they came back at us and the fans made anoise I have never heard before. I will never forget that night." ---------------------------------------------- Cammy F

Yip me - whilst stewards were helping Celtc fans drape their rags over the stands, I was approached by stewards and Police informing me to take mine down or I would be arrested. Cammy F

http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/lifestyle/real-life-stories/2007/10/21/teen-refugee-who-escaped-carnage-signs-for-rangers-78057-19984445/ Cammy F

Cammy F

Why no mention of the sectarian banner bisplayed by Celtc fans at start of the game and at half-time? In a time where Celtc FC have PUBLICALLY stated that any employee using the term 'hun' will be sacked and when 'hun' has been defined a sectarian term, you'd think displaying a banner with the word 'hun' on it would receive some publicity? Anyone, I think timmy went home with their tales between their legs when TBO reacted with a 8-1 banner - if you knew our history Cammy F

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2702522.ece Wonder where their 'tip top Scottish' journalist was yesterday? Biggest game in Britain and no sign of Queersy - we're laughin at you Queersy. Cammy F